This three-day safari is a perfect add-on to a Tanzanian or Kenyan Holiday. There are daily flights from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta airport and three flights weekly from Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro International Airport. Rwanda is known as the Land of a Thousand Hills thanks to the endless mountains. In the majestic Virunga volcanoes in the northwest, hidden among the bamboo forests are some of the world's last remaining mountain gorillas.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Volcanoes National Park: runs along the border with the DRC and Uganda, is home to the Rwandan section of the Virungas. Comprising five volcanoes, the Virungas are utterly spellbinding and one of the most exciting national parks in Africa. Of all the extraordinary sights and attractions around the Virungas, are the famous mountain gorillas.
Day 1: ARRIVAL KIGALI (100km – 2.5hrs)
Upon arrival in Kigali, you are met and transferred to the Virunga Conservation area (approximately 2.5 hours’ drive). If time permits, visit the markets, villages, and local communities (at an extra cost) or an optional visit to the little-known by compellingly beautiful twin lakes Bulera and Ruhondo (payable directly on the spot). Check-in and dinner at the lodge.
Overnight in Ruhengeri.
Day 2: RUHENGERI – VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK – KIGALI (125km – 3hrs)
After a delectable breakfast, hop on the transfer to the Volcanoes National Park offices. Briefing by the park's guides on how to behave in the forest and in the presence of mountain gorillas. You then transfer over mildly bumpy roads to the trailhead to start the trek. From the trailhead, there is a 10-20 minute walk through fields (cultivated land) to the edge of the forest. Here you enter the park for a gorilla trek which will take you until around midday depending on where you find them. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. It is important to take plenty of water. Good cameras and plenty of fast speed film or memory cards are recommended. It can rain at a few minutes’ notice, hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film. After the trek, lunch will be at your hotel. After lunch, you will be transferred to Kigali for check-in.
Overnight in Kigali.
Day 3: DEPARTURE KIGALI (95km – 2hrs)
After one last breakfast, you are transferred to Kigali Airport to connect for your onward flight (the recommended flight departure time is after midday).
Passengers should bring only soft-sided bags on safari. Passengers arriving Rwanda may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Travellers’ cheques are generally not accepted in east Africa. US banknotes cannot be older than 2004 and must have the most current security markings (large portrait of the president). Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
